Construction Management 101

The construction industry is experiencing significant growth already in 2021 and is predicted to continue its rise throughout the next year. With an increase in construction projects also comes an increase in the need for project managers, especially ones who are knowledgeable and well equipped to successfully lead a team through many simultaneous and complex projects. Here, the qualified team of project managers at Gray & Son outline the basics of construction management, common obstacles that could stand in your way, as well as key tools and practices that can guide you through to success. 

Know The Basics of Construction Management

The process of construction management involves many steps, so it is important to understand the basics before making any complex decisions regarding your project. Construction management focuses on construction phases of a project and include meetings, management of team members, and onsite work supervision. A construction project will begin once a bid is received. The project manager will need to follow a step-by-step process to get the project up and running and see it through to completion. 

During the initial stage, the project manager will listen to the client share their goals for their project and begin to draft up the schedule. Next, the project manager will need to assemble a team of qualified workers, as well as gather all of the necessary materials, tools, and equipment in order to complete the project, making sure to adhere to the agreed-upon contract and budget. 

The project then moves into the execution phase which is when the actual construction begins. In order to ensure that everything runs smoothly, the project manager should monitor the project workflows as well as the individual responsibilities of each team member. When coming to completion, systems and equipment testing needs to take place, and a  meeting with the client should be scheduled to go over the best methods of operation and sustainability for their new building. After the project is completed, it is time for the project manager to finalize all of the crucial details relevant to the project and ensure that everything fits the client’s expectations. This is also a key point of opportunity for the project manager to receive any feedback from the client and possibly discuss the potential for future projects. 

Be Aware of the Most Common Obstacles For Construction Management

There are several obstacles that can prevent a construction project from being successful. It is important for any project manager to be aware of these common pitiful and learn how to successfully navigate them. Disorganization and poor communication are some of the most common obstacles for construction management. Misplaced project data, subpar conflict management, and a lack of communication between team members, or even client and manager, can end up costing construction firms time and money. Inadequate employee training, failure to adopt new technology trends, leaving stakeholders or clients in the dark during the course of the project, as well as violations of safety standards can all serve as major obstacles to the success of a project. To best avoid or correct these issues, consider the tips below.

Find The Keys to Success in Construction Management: Successful Tips & Practices

In order to be a successful project manager, the following expert-backed tips and practices may be the key to your success. Standardizing tasks is an effective technique in project management, as it allows project managers to be productive while ensuring the efficiency and quality of the work of your team members. Managers should aim to focus more on the efficiency and delivery time of their projects, both of which yielding better client satisfaction and project results. As for tools, project templates, billing and estimating calculators, a centralized management document, mobile communication platforms, work-breakdown-structure templates, and other construction project management software can provide structure, organization and execution support while alleviating some of the manual management processes.  

To really set yourself apart as a project manager, creative confidence gives a competitive edge over other construction firms and managers. Having an outlined and organized workflow, using some of the tips above can allow more time for creative thinking and innovation in decision making, granting the opportunity for new and better ideas and solutions for the project at hand. 

Work With an Experienced Team of Professionals at Gray & Son For Your Next Project

At Gray & Son, we take pride in the expertise and experience of our project management team as well as their enthusiasm and dedication throughout each project. To learn more about our team or consult with a Gray & Son project manager about a future project, contact us today

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